3 Dead, 12 Rescued as Gov Abiodun Probe into Building Collapse

Residents of Ajuwon in Ogun State were thrown into mourning on Monday after a three-storey mixed-use building collapsed at Baale Road, OGS Bus Stop, killing three people and injuring several others.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which joined rescue operations at the request of the Ogun State Government, the victims included a 75-year-old man, an adult woman, and a baby girl. Twelve others were pulled out alive from beneath the rubble and taken for medical treatment.

The building, which housed shops on the ground floor and residential apartments above, reportedly collapsed following a heavy downpour and thunderstorm. Eyewitnesses said cracks had appeared on the structure earlier in the day, but residents did not anticipate the sudden collapse.

Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor warned that anyone found to have violated building regulations or compromised construction standards would face prosecution. He stressed that the state government would strengthen enforcement of physical planning laws to prevent future tragedies.

Emergency responders from multiple agencies — including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service, and the Amotekun Corps — worked tirelessly at the site. Heavy-duty equipment was deployed to clear debris, while adjoining structures were assessed for safety. Officials confirmed that a nearby bungalow had been weakened by the collapse and would undergo controlled demolition to prevent secondary disasters.

The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area, Kusimo Idris, disclosed that two infants under two months old were among those rescued. He praised the swift response of emergency teams and urged residents to comply with safety directives.

Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, emphasised that Lagos State’s intervention reflected its commitment to supporting neighbouring states in times of crisis. He urged property owners to conduct regular structural integrity tests and adhere strictly to approved building plans.

For many residents, the collapse is a painful reminder of Nigeria’s recurring building safety challenges. Experts have long warned that poor enforcement of regulations, use of substandard materials, and disregard for professional supervision contribute to frequent collapses. Governor Abiodun’s directive for forensic investigations is expected to shed light on whether foundation failure, soil instability, or construction defects were responsible.

As families mourn their loved ones, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, developers, and communities to ensure that buildings are safe for habitation.